DANDENONG Stingrays midfielder-forward Jai Culley is the Rookie Me Central NAB League Boys Player of the Week for Round 1. The 19-year-old has hit the ground running as an over-ager in 2022, amassing 27 disposals, four marks, five tackles, six inside 50s and three goals in the ‘Rays 14-point win over Eastern Ranges on Saturday.

Having cut his teeth mostly as a forward last season, in his debut NAB League campaign, Culley is now primed to take on more midfield responsibility as he returns for another year in the elite talent pathway. It was no surprise to see him take on that role with aplomb, given how Stingrays coach Nick Cox lauded his application during preseason.

“Jai has come back in really good condition from last year so we’re looking for him to take a big step forward,” Cox said. “Last year was his first in an elite program, so he was getting to understand the standards that are required. This year he’s come back in really good nick and he’s been doing all his craft in the midfield so I look forward to seeing that.”

At 193cm, Culley offers marking support and a threat to the scoreboard while utilised inside attacking 50, but also uses his size and clean hands to do damage in midfield. His 27 touches were a sizeable improvement on his 11-disposal average across nine games in 2021, and put him in good stead for the year ahead.

Should Culley keep his form up, the midseason draft could come calling, but there is a long way to go yet. His next opportunity to impress comes on Sunday afternoon, as Dandenong takes on the Brisbane Lions Academy at Princes Park in Round 2 of the 2022 NAB League season.

2022 ROOKIE ME CENTRAL NAB LEAGUE BOYS PLAYER OF THE WEEK:

Round 1: JAI CULLEY (Dandenong Stingrays)